I was recently reminded of a really fabulous subject I’ve been thinking of sharing on the blog for years now (actually, a draft of this post with just bits of information was started four years ago!). The subject is the amazing collection of 19th and early 20th century historically clothed dolls that form the collection Les Petites Dames de Mode.
Created by John Burbridge, these dolls are not your average dolls. The dolls and their clothes are to-scale recreations of historic clothing, even down to the trims! I got to see these in person back in 2007 or 2008 when they were on display at Ventfort Hall and let me tell you how stunning it was to see a whole room full of beautifully clothed dolls who were about ⅔ my height! This is some serious attention to detail!
Here are some examples:
Stunning, right?!? They’re really awesome. There’s a book about them that is widely available. Here’s a link to it on amazon. I believe these dolls are currently privately owned by Mr. Burbridge, but that he is looking for a permeant museum home for them. I hope he is successful so that they are preserved and others will also get to view and appreciate them.
The Quintessential Clothes Pen 
You got to see these in person???!!!! Oh my goodness! Happiness for you! I would love to see them up close and personal. I have them pinned on Pinterest and drool over their loveliness…they are so incredible in their intricacy! Thank you for sharing!
Blessings!
Gina
I have the book. Its gorgeous. I want to make a few of the ones around the late 1860s and early 1870s full size!!
Yes, they are inspiring! I remember being blown away by the detail when I saw them. I’m sure the book would spark all those envious feelings again. 😉
This was the museum I was talking about–they might be interested? http://www.wenhammuseum.org/dolls.html